Key takeaways: An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is a certified breastfeeding specialist. A visit usually includes a health history, watching a feed, often a weighed feed, and a care plan. Find one through your hospital, pediatrician, insurance, or the USLCA and ILCA directories. Many insurance plans cover lactation support.
Getting skilled help early can make a big difference. Here’s what to expect from a lactation visit.
What Is an IBCLC?
An IBCLC has passed an international exam and met education and clinical practice requirements set by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). Other helpers include certified lactation counselors (CLC), breastfeeding peer counselors, and La Leche League leaders, who offer valuable support with different levels of training.
What Happens at a Visit
- History: your pregnancy, birth, health, medications, and your baby’s health and feeding history.
- Assessment: your breasts and nipples, and your baby’s mouth, suck, and overall behavior.
- Watching a feed: looking at latch, positioning, and swallowing.
- Weighed feed: weighing your baby before and after feeding to measure milk intake.
- Care plan: a written plan with specific steps, such as positioning changes, pumping, or supplementing.
- Follow-up: check-ins by phone, message, or another visit.
How to Prepare
- Plan the visit around a feeding time.
- Write down questions and concerns.
- Bring your pump parts and any nipple shields or bottles you use.
- Bring a feeding log if you have one.
- Wear comfortable clothes that allow easy access.
Where to Find One
- Your hospital lactation department.
- Your pediatrician or OB office.
- Your insurance company’s directory.
- USLCA (United States Lactation Consultant Association) and ILCA (International Lactation Consultant Association) directories.
- WIC offices, which offer breastfeeding support to eligible families.
Paying for It
Under the Affordable Care Act, many health plans must cover breastfeeding support and counseling, as well as breast pumps, without cost sharing. Check with your plan about which providers are covered.
When to Get Help
- Pain that continues past the first week.
- Nipple damage.
- Concerns about weight gain or supply.
- Your baby has trouble latching.
- Returning to work or pumping questions.
The Bottom Line
An IBCLC can help with almost any breastfeeding concern. Reach out early, and know that many insurance plans cover visits.
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Sources
- International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. What is an IBCLC? https://iblce.org
- United States Lactation Consultant Association. Find an IBCLC. https://uslca.org
- Health Resources and Services Administration. Women’s preventive services guidelines. https://www.hrsa.gov/womens-guidelines
- HealthCare.gov. Breastfeeding benefits. https://www.healthcare.gov
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
